What’s Your Reason?

We asked several Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce members recently “What’s your reason” for becoming and remaining a Chamber member.
 
The results confirm what we all know about the value of chamber membership.
 
From networking to education, connecting with potential customers and other business owners and operators, as well as being part of a nationally recognized (Chambers operate locally across the U.S.), professional organization, here are some of the “what’s your reason” responses.
 
For some, it’s about community investment.
 
“Being a member of the Chamber gives our business the opportunity to let the Upper Bucks community know we care.  I believe that by being active in the Chamber our newspaper gets more and more readers who want to read about what’s going on in their backyard,” said Joe Wingert, publisher, Bucks County Herald.
 
Education is vital to professional growth. But what happens when you are a small business owner, without big budget dollars to spend on classes, seminars or to bring in professionals to work with staff members.
 
If you’re a sole proprietor, finding time and funds for professional development should be top of mind, but may not be top of list until a crisis occurs, or a trend forces you to learn something new.
 
“By joining the Chamber, it offers educational opportunities and resources in building one's business,” said Laurie Heuckeroth, branch manager for Penn Community Bank in Perkasie.
 
While education often isn’t one-size-fits-all, many Chamber seminars offer take away that works, regardless of the business size. There is something for everyone.
 
“The chamber … provides my business with an education link and seminars to help me advance my business goals,” said Any Recinos, owner, baker of Amy’s Creative Cakes.
 
Chamber events, activities and business hours offer a “warm call” way to connect with local business owners and professional services.
 
You might find your next financial planner at a business card exchange, or a travel consultant, banker or marketing professional at the golf outing. Perhaps your upcoming anniversary party blow-out needs a caterer. What better way to audition one, than attending or sponsoring the upcoming Foodie event October 13, at Sands Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Quakertown?
 
“The Chamber has different networking events that give members the chance to meet other members.  By meeting other members we can refer business to each other and to others,” Heuckeroth said.
 
The Chamber isn't just about building one's own business, but it's about getting involved in the community.
 
The Chamber offers lots of ways for contact and community involvement, with several members listing this single benefit as one of their top reasons for being a Chamber member.
 
Chamber membership offers a place “to be connected with, and support, the local community,” Recinos said.
 
Jason Wehrung, president of Wehrung’s Lumber and Home Center and owner of Solid Products LLC, said his family-owned and operated businesses place a high priority on supporting the local Chamber.
 
Wehrung’s reason is “…because it's simply the right thing to do and a good business practice.”
 
Now it’s your turn.
 
Stop by, call email us or post on facebook and tell us, “What’s your reason?”

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